Diagnóstico Ambiental Participativo como subsídio para a avaliação da segurança alimentar, hídrica e energética em áreas urbanas: estudo de caso em Angra dos Reis, RJ

Abstract

With the increase of urban expansion, especially in developing countries, new methodologies capable to highlighting the impact of land use changes natural resources are necessary. In view of this, efforts to improve resilience and social inclusion in cities are needed to meet global commitments to sustainable development. Since 2011, when the concept of nexus water-foof-energy emerged in the World Economic Forum, much of what has been described about it has concerned national and regional scales, with few works devoted to its application on a local scale, especially in irregular settlements. The lack of public policies means that many groups remain without the basic conditions that contribute to their well-being, such as access to quality water, fresh food and energy sources. Considering this scenario, the present study is developed in Bracuí, Angra dos Reis, south coast of the Rio de Janeiro State. This region has been the scene of an intensive dynamics of occupation that comes in many ways, from appropriation of extensive areas by the real estate capital, to invasions, constructions in mangrove and clandestine parceling, with absence of basic urban services. Particularly in a location called Itinga, conflicts over land use intensified in the 1990s, when villagers organized an association and fought guarantee of rights. Currently, the community is exposed to all kinds of urban and environmental risks. In face of this problem, an environmental diagnosis was carried out in 2016 by the author, with participation of residents. The diagnosis evidenced some aspects of water, food and energy securities, calling our attention to the possibility of a nexus assessment. Based on it, this study aims to present a framework for the nexus water-food-energy assessment on a local scale, build from indicators which reflect residents' perceptions and practices about different aspects of the WEF nexus and are also available on official bases, in order to set thresholds. The thresholds are based in targets from national and international organisms and policy. Thus, we propose to contribute for the decision-making process on the development and management of resources in urban areas, based on the reality experienced by its residents.